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Ibrahimovic not in Sweden´s plans despite latest World Cup hint

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has again teased fans over the prospect of him taking part in the World Cup, even though Sweden head coach Janne Andersson insists the enigmatic striker is not in his plans.

Sweden's all-time leading goalscorer retired from international football after his country bowed out in the group stage of Euro 2016.

A play-off win over Italy in November saw the Scandinavian nation battle their way to Russia 2018 in the absence of their former talisman, who is enjoying a new lease of life after joining LA Galaxy from Manchester United.

Ibrahimovic, 36, suffered cruciate knee ligament damage last April and found himself on the periphery at Old Trafford this term, but has scored three times in as many MLS appearances.

Asked by reporters in Los Angeles whether he would be at the finals, he replied: "I'm going to the World Cup, yes."

On whether that would be in a playing capacity, Ibrahimovic stuck to the line he gave to talk show host Jimmy Kimmel earlier this week.

"If I give you more you will get too many followers [on social media], so we'll keep it like this [under wraps]," he said.